Best of Philly

Hudson Table

Whether your offspring aspire to be the next Top Chef or can’t even make a PB&J, they’ll have fun learning their way around the kitchen at Hudson Table. From parent-and-kiddo classes to after-school workshops (think: holiday treats and Disney-inspired menus) to week-long summer camps structured like a mini culinary school, your kids will pick up some cooking skills (including — gulp — knife work) and confidence. Heck, maybe they’ll cook you dinner for once. Read More »

1001 North 2nd Street, unit 1, Philadelphia, PA Website

Maleek Jackson Fitness Boxing Gym

Looking for a healthy way for your kid to release some of the past year’s stress? At 4 p.m. every weekday, this NoLibs fitness space gets youth ages seven to 17 practicing gloved punches. Jackson’s upcoming after-school program will serve those needing mentorship and positive community ties. Read More »

926 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA Website

One-on-One Skateboard Lessons With Skate the Foundry

For $70, Skate the Foundry’s expert skateboarders will spend an hour one-on-one with your budding Lizzie Armanto or Tony Hawk at a variety of skate parks throughout the region. For $80, they’ll even come to your driveway. Because the coolest kid on the block is always the one who knows how to ollie. Read More »

120 Yorktown Plaza, Elkins Park, PA Website

Virtual Classes

If being at home with your kids 24/7 has changed your attitude toward screen time, it’s okay. We know you love those little rascals, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need some “me” time now and then. Allay your guilt (if you still have any) by registering for one of the many local kids’ classes that have popped up on YouTube and across social media. Settlement Music School is offering Settlement Kids Live (settlementmusic.org), with free music and dance classes for children streamed live on Facebook every Tuesday and Thursday. If your offspring have energy to burn, InMovement Gymnastics Education (phillyinmovement.com) has online tumbling, karate and dance classes. Pick the one that’s right for your little one, and you may actually get the chance to use the bathroom without being interrupted. And the Philly Zoo at 2 (philadelphiazoo.org) introduces kids to all kinds of creatures every weekday at 2 p.m. via Facebook Live — and keeps an archive of past videos for hours of educational streaming. Read More »

Sue’s Art Class

From candy sushi modeling to clothes for American Girl dolls to the most creative self-portraits you’ve seen, upbeat owner Sue Puchowitz keeps her art classes focused on the journey, not the end result. (Fun fact: Her son is Cheu Noodle Bar co-owner/chef Ben.) Read More »

2119 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA | 215-292-5270 | Website

Butcher’s Sew Shop

Wide-leg jumpsuits, flower pillows, messenger bags … The classes here teach kids and teens they can make anything they dream up. Additional location in Grad Hospital. Read More »

800 South 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA | 215-309-1866

Perkins Center for the Arts

Perkins — we aren’t talking about the pancake chain here — goes niche with its classes, which range from “Painting With Markers” to “Portfolio Prep for Teens.” Additional location in Collingswood. Read More »

395 Kings Highway, Moorestown, NJ | 856-235-6488

Juliet Hope Wayne

This cool West Philly seamstress will come to your house and teach your kids and their friends how to make stuffed animals, messenger bags and doll outfits. Before her visit, she'll talk through design ideas with the kids, and once she arrives, you can sit back and have a glass of wine: She brings all the fabric, scissors, rulers and real sewing machines, not those silly starter models that don't work. Service areas include Philadelphia, Delaware County and the Main Line. Juliethopewayne@gmail.com. Read More »

, Philadelphia, PA

Yay Clay

Tiny ones up through teens learn sculpture, wheel throwing and ceramics from energetic instructors who emphasize the role imagination and inspiration play in art. (Also! They do birthday parties!) Read More »

3237 Amber Street, Philadelphia, PA | 201-953-0340 | Website

SparkPark

Theres no karate or gymnastics at this Main Line newcomer, which focuses on the sciences, arts and languages. So while your kid wont master cartwheels here, she can learn Mandarin, make a birdhouse in woodshop (watch those fingers!), and design her own robot. Just dont blame us when your progeny wind up smarter than you. Read More »

950 Montgomery Avenue, Narberth, PA | 484-278-4634 | Website